Vibram 5 Fingers shoes

[Catrin]

I will send you a message, thanks! I think I wear a 40 in the 5 Fingers, but it would be interesting to give them a try and see how they feel, at least at a home KB session.

I've tried on Inov-8's before and I just don't care for them. I've worn minimalist shoes before at the gym (Reebok's Nano 2), and they were great for the type of high intensity cross training I was doing with my previous coach. They are worn out though, and are too cushioned for KB lifting. To be fair to the Inov-8 shoes, I did (reluctantly) try on a new pair last night. While too much cushioning for my purposes, they DID feel better than earlier models did. I still don't like them but I didn't dislike them as much as in the past. They would be fine for my past training style though. I don't need new shoes for that :-)

[Wahine]

I use the New Balance minimus for my cross training. It's pretty much the same idea as the 5 fingers but with a regular toe box, but wide. My toes don't work in five fingers but I love the minimus for cross training. I think this is the current version of the shoe I have. I didn't realize how much NB had expanded the line until I went to look just now.

[Catrin]

I did purchase the 2013 version of the New Balance Minimus of the show that Wahine posted. By purchasing last year's model I saved $60 and grabbed the last one my LRS had in stock :-) I still want to try out the 5 Fingers, and will try out Oakleaf's when they arrive. I did have a problem getting my two smallest toes into the 5 Fingers at the store, but of course it isn't something I've had to worry about before!

So far the New Balance Minus is working out fine - even a little better than barefoot at home. I still won't use them for running as they have no cushioning at all, but that isn't why I bought them. They also feel much better than I once would have though a 0 drop shoe with NO cushioning COULD feel. I am actually not really aware that there isn't any cushioning. Because the uppers are so thin and flexible, there is something strange that happens with the uppers when I am completing a weighted Turkish Getup but I can live with that. I do feel more stable in the Turkish Getup in the Minimus than I did in my Reebok Nano 2 shoes, or even barefoot - especially on carpeting.

[Blueberry]

Lems Mary Janes are on sale!

I might just spring for a pair myself. I need something just slightly dressier than my four pairs of Primals (or my one pair of Boulders). Like you, my foot and low back pain went away when I started working on foot strength and flexibility, and wearing foot-shaped, minimal shoes for everything but running was an important part of that.

Those are really neat! I like that they have boots - I might look into those (well in the future!).

I'm actually planning to try the Soft Star shoes when my budget recovers Made in Portland, and very positive reviews. I think either the Mary Janes or the Ballet Flats would work pretty well for my daily life. We shall see!

[Blueberry]

Here's a somewhat related question: has anybody that wears minimal shoes found a sandal they like? I'm looking for something that could be a Chaco replacement (so - ok with wet and hiking and general heavy wear)? I have considered the Lunas, but wasn't sure how well I would like them.

[Catrin]

The 5 Fingers from Oakleaf arrived yesterday. I tried them on, and they fit far better than the size 41 at REI. My toes actually filled the, well, toes, though there was a bit of room in the heels. I will try them for my usual Saturday morning home kettlebell workout, assuming my body has recovered by then. I've over-done it a bit this week, which I am quite sure will come as a surprise

[GLC1968]

My feet are not tiny!

Catrin - I thought you might like the Minimus, so I'm glad you tried them. A lot of my local friends wear them for Crossfit workouts. I think if I were to lift in a gym again, that's what I'd wear. Lifting in my garage allows me to go barefoot, of course!

Blueberry - I have a hard time with sandals. I've settled on two - one is by Jambu and while it's not minimal, it's flexible enough that I'm ok with a little cushioning. I have found that I don't like structured shoes at all now. This is the newer version of the Jambu ones I have: http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-ja...oke-p_id320402

The other sandals I wear (besides old-school Ralph Lauren ones with completely flat leather soles and a leather upper that have been beaten to death over the years!) are actually ones I 'made' myself: http://xeroshoes.com/shop/diy-kits/diy-feeltrue/ . This same company now sells a ready to wear style but I've not tried it.

Lastly, Vivobarefoot has some interesting sandals as well. I've not tried them, but the ballet flat styles from them are my go-to work shoes. The sandals do look comfy!
http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/women...Black/Graphite

[Catrin]

I do like the Minimus much more than I thought I would. There IS a strangeness with the upper in the Turkish Getup, but I can live with that.

Your feet are tiny, compared to mine :-)

BTW, I post more frequently from my phone these days, and I don't always catch the...creative spellings that my phone sometimes chooses rather than what I typed. Apparently "Turkish" is one of those words